Imphal, November 18: With cracks within the Apunba Lup, a conglomerate of 32 bodies, widening by the day, hard liners within the Lup today hinted that there is every possibility of resuming agitations in case the Central Government does not repeal, by tomorrow, the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958, from the entire State.

Contrary to the moderate group, which has been studying public mood before deciding on whether to meet Prime Minister Dr Manmohan singh during his two day State visit or not, the hard-liners are adamant on resuming the agitation to drive home the point that nothing short of completely repealing the Act from Manipur will satisfy the people.Talking to this reporter today, All Manipur Students� Union president Ksh Umesh categorically remarked that ban on Hindi text books and NCC activities would be reinforced if AFSPA is not withdrawn within the deadline of November 19.A key member of the hard-line group, Umesh conveyed that everything is ready to launch the agitation if the demand for complete removal of the Act fails to evoke positive response from the Centre.

No economic package announced by the Prime Minister will have any meaning as long as the rights of the people are violated and trampled by the security personnel under the AFSPA, he stressed.

"We do not want economic package, we want Manipur as an AFSPA free State which can ensure safety and security of our lives," Umesh asserted.

Meanwhile, moderate members of the Lup informed that a decision may be taken by tonight on whether they will meet the visiting PM in the backdrop of the assurances given by the Prime Minister to replace AFSPA with a more �humane law�.

A Convention organised by the moderates yesterday had resolved to prevail upon the Centre to take immediate steps to repeal AFSPA in consonance with the PM�s assurance.

The congregation, however, highlighted that the people of Manipur will not accept �any law� which �denies inherent dignity and inalienable rights� of the people.

The Convention had also resolved that the people will take to the streets if AFSPA is not removed.

It is pertinent to add that speakers at the convention mooted the idea of welcoming the Prime Minister and suggested that public representatives should meet him to get a knowledge of the precise nature of the �humane law� that will replace AFSPA rather than boycott the high profile visit.

Mention may also be made that Chief Minister O Ibobi Sigh called upon the Apunba Lup leaders to sustain the ongoing dialogue with the Centre as the previous meeting with Central leaders had made substantial headway on the issue.

Meanwhile, a press statement issued by the coordinator of Working Committee of the Apunba Lup reiterated that replacing AFSPA by another Act is not the answer to the long pending demand of the people who have yearned to see manipur as a place where the citizens can live freely as other citizens.

Showering huge financial assistance and at the same time advocating continuation of the repressive Act is another manifestation of the hideous policy pursued by the Centre, charged the statement and cautioned the people to be wary of accepting gifts that could prove suicidal in the long run.

Reminding the people of the sacrifices made by Pebam Chittaranjan and Konjengbam Memita and the nude protest by womenfolk, self immolation bid by MAFYF activists, people having to face police brutalities and several forms of agitation to press for removal of the draconian Act, the committee questioned what is stopping the Centre from conceding to the demand of the people when it (Govt) had accepted the fact that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act is indeed draconian in nature.

The general sentiment of the Manipur public is removal of the Act and not its replacement by any other form of law that could not guarantee security of existence, further mentioned the statement.

The committee is keeping in abeyance any resolution on whether or not to meet the prime Minister till the Centre assures complete withdrawal of AFSPA from Manipur within Nov 19 and according to decisions taken by the Govt on the matter the Lup would decide on future course of action, conveyed the statement.

Highlighting alleged discriminatory attitude of respective Central Govts, the statement countered mere appeasement policy like announcement of economic package and laying foundation stones of various ambitious projects could not cover up ill-treatment suffered by the people for over fifty five years.

Moreover, if one takes into account assistance extended to Manipur in comparison to other States no amount could be considered as enough balm to soothe the hurt sentiment of the people, said the statement while at the same length welcoming the endeavour of the Centre to somewhat ameliorate the pitiable condition of the masses.

Describing proposed hand-over of the sacred Kangla to Manipur Government as only restoration of what the people had lost in the past, the Committee reminded that people that Central authorities are still occupying vast acres at Longa Koireng and Luwangshangbam Matai villages.

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